The Foundations Sequence at Siena

In making the important transition from high school to college, understanding the meaning of responsibility and preparing for the rigor of intellectual life are greatly enabled by a broadened horizon inside and outside the classroom.

 

A two-semester, common learning experience, the Foundations Sequence introduces first-year Siena students to those abilities crucial to success in academic and professional life:

The sequence explores perennial life questions concerning nature, society, the human person, diversity, moral reasoning, religious and secular world views, and the American experience.

 

Students create a shared experience and remain as a class with the same instructor for both semesters. They participate in various cultural and artistic activities, museum field trips and special lectures. The sequence is writing intensive with study, discussion and essay-writing around of a common set of significant texts.

 

By examining texts from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, students are drawn into the liberal arts tradition that is central to Siena’s identity.